How much weight can you lose raking leaves?

October 1, 2016 Ashley 0 Comments

Just ’cause it’s not summer anymore doesn’t mean we should give up on our hot bodies or weight loss goals.

(Especially if we plan to stuff skin gripping pants into those October boots.)

And, for those of us sort’ve lamenting the end of summer sunshine and sprinting in singlets, the whole “outdoorsy workout” can seem a little less alluring. But, fear not. Because another, productive two-fer of a cardio sesh awaits us… in the form of leaf raking.

(Boring, but bores into fat stores – unlike cushion crushing on your couch, and other alternative Autumnal non-activities.)

Now, the prospect may sound opposite of fun. But bear with me. Because I can guarantee you that – by the time you’re done combing your yard and driveway free of leafy debris – you’ll feel a welcome double whammy of accomplishment and caloric burn. (Plus, who doesn’t like looking at a pristine view from their window?) Much as it goes with snow shoveling (which obviously burns a bit more), there’s something simply wonderful about knowing you’ve gotten in a workout while simultaneously ticking a to-do off my list.

And just how much pumpkin pie (which I know you’ve already begun baking, so don’t even lie) does scratching away at the earth’s natural trash burn off? Well, according to WebMd, it’s not that much lower than any other landscaping activity would afford you. In fact, within an hour, you can burn up to as much as 450 calories. Note, however, that that’s after a full sixty minutes – and that there are other factors that come into play (like what your scale says… and how hard you’re working.) Indeed, one important factor is just how much you’re lugging around weight wise. As with any other activity, the more porky you are, the more calories you’ll blast. To give you an idea, someone who’s about 125 pounds will work off 120 calories in half an hour (or 240 in an hour, because: math). Meanwhile, a 185 pounds person will incinerate a hefty 178 in half an hour – or 356 after a full hour.

Then, there’s the effort element.

(Don’t go at Homer Simpson speed if you wanna set a body bonfire to that blubber.)

To truly hit that sweaty sweet spot that burns calories left and right like an Oprah giveaway, experts suggest upping the ante. Clear those leaves at a rigorous rate, they say. To get as many burn benefits as possible, go hard until you’re A.) breathing heavier than usual and B.) rocking a bit o’ perspiration. This isn’t the time for pretending you’re working a lifesize version of your de-stressing desk Zen garden. Nay, sirs and madams. Put your dorsal side into this chore until you’re warm enough to forget that summer’s gone and you’ll be glad for it later.

So, this fall, leave the gym in favor of some leafy cleanup and rake in hotness and accomplishment alike.